know how to

USAGE SUMMARY

"know how to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone has the ability to do something. Example: I know how to drive a car.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We know how to persevere".

The New York Times

They know how to dress.

The New Yorker

"I know how to fall".

The New York Times - Sports

I know how to act".

The New York Times

I wouldn't know how to".

Independent

They know how to react.

The New Yorker

"You know how to read.

The New York Times

didn't know how to respond.

The New Yorker

People know how to lose.

The New Yorker

"They know how to battle".

The New York Times

We know how to win.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know how to" when you want to emphasize practical skill or competence in performing a specific action. For instance, "She knows how to fix a car" suggests she has the practical ability, not just theoretical knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "know how to be able to". The phrase "know how to" already implies ability, so adding "be able to" is redundant. Simply use "know how to" for a more concise and clear statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know how to" functions as a verb phrase indicating competence or skill in performing a specific action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses the ability to do something. Examples in Ludwig show its use across various domains, from reacting in crises to performing practical tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

45%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "know how to" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the ability or skill to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Ludwig examples show its presence in diverse sources like The New York Times and WikiHow, reflecting its broad usage across various contexts, from formal news reports to informal instructional guides. It's important to avoid redundant phrasing like "know how to be able to", and to select the appropriate verb form (know vs. knows) based on the subject. Related phrases include "understand how to" and "are capable of", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing competence. Overall, "know how to" is a reliable and effective way to communicate practical abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the know-how to

Similar meaning but uses a noun form of "know how", adding a slightly more technical or specialized nuance.

understand how to

Focuses on comprehension and understanding the method, implying a cognitive grasp rather than just practical skill.

are capable of

Emphasizes general ability and potential, without necessarily implying specific knowledge of a method.

have the ability to

Highlights the possession of a general capacity or skill to perform something.

are skilled at

Highlights the expertise and proficiency in performing an action.

are proficient in

Emphasizes a high degree of competence, often in a formal or technical context.

possess the skill to

Highlights the ownership and application of a specific skill.

are competent to

Suggests having the necessary skills or qualifications to perform a task adequately.

have the expertise to

Stresses the possession of specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

are adept at

Implies natural talent and quickness in performing an action.

FAQs

How to use "know how to" in a sentence?

Use "know how to" followed by a verb to indicate someone's ability or skill. For example, "They "know how to react" in a crisis" or "I "know how to sew"".

What can I say instead of "know how to"?

You can use alternatives like "understand how to", "are capable of", or "have the ability to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "know how to" or "knows how to"?

"Know how to" is used with plural subjects (e.g., they, we, you), while "knows how to" is used with singular subjects (e.g., he, she, it). For example, "They "know how to play"" vs. "He "knows how to play"."

What's the difference between "know how to" and "know that"?

"Know how to" indicates the ability to perform an action, while "know that" indicates knowledge of a fact. For example, "I "know how to swim"" means I have the skill to swim, whereas "I know that the Earth is round" means I am aware of a specific fact.